3 Premier League clubs who need to buy smart in January

The January transfer window has seen an explosion of rumours, with clubs across the Premier League eager to boost their squads.

Virgil van Dijk’s move to Liverpool, Chelsea’s signing of Ross Barkley and Everton’s addition of Cesk Tosun are the three highest profile transfers to date, but there’s likely to be plenty more activity during the rest of the month.

We look at three clubs who could improve their league positions by buying smart in January.

Arsenal

The deficiencies in Arsenal’s squad were brutally exposed last weekend as Nottingham Forest dumped the holders out of the FA Cup.

The Gunners are currently sixth in the Premier League, five points adrift of the final Champions League place, and manager Arsene Wenger is under pressure to splash the cash.

Wenger’s side are priced at 11/4 to finish in the top six, so use this Betvictor Bonus Code if you think the Arsenal boss will finally loosen the purse strings.

Forward Alexis Sanchez has been linked with both Manchester clubs, while midfielder Francis Coquelin has been sold to Valencia.

Arsenal are believed to be interested in forwards Thomas Lemar, Riyad Mahrez, Malcom, Leon Bailey, Cristian Pavon and signing a couple of those would boost their hopes of a top four finish.

However, a major criticism of Arsenal in recent times has been lack of toughness in the middle of the park, and a central midfielder in the mould of Steven N’Zonzi should be a priority for Wenger.

Everton

Barkley’s departure to Stamford Bridge didn’t go down well with Everton fans, but there’s every reason to think it could be a blessing in disguise.

Tosun’s arrival at Goodison Park has strengthened manager Sam Allardyce’s forward options, while Theo Walcott would be an astute signing from Arsenal.

Allardyce has historically done well with players who have a point to prove and Walcott certainly fits into that category.

Nico Gaitan and Andre Silva are other noteworthy names linked with a move to Everton, and if Allardyce could add one or both to his squad they could quite easily close the gap to seventh placed Burnley between now and the end of the season.

West Ham United

The Hammers have shown signs of improvement under new manager David Moyes, but they remain just two points above the relegation zone.

Forwards Javier Hernandez, Andy Carroll and Diafro Sakho have all been linked with a move away from the club, with Moyes eyeing some interesting names to replace them.

Krasnodar striker Fyodor Smolov and Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud have been tipped to move to the London Stadium and they are a pairing that could fire enough goals to keep West Ham out of trouble.

Basel defender Manuel Akanji has also been targeted by Moyes and his impressive performances in the Champions League suggest he’d be another player who could help the Hammers climb the table.